Integrating socio-psychological factors in the SEIR model optimized by a genetic algorithm for COVID-19 trend analysis

Abstract The global spread of COVID-19 has profoundly affected health and economies, highlighting the need for precise epidemic trend predictions for effective interventions. In this study, we used infectious disease models to simulate and predict the trajectory of COVID-19. An SEIR (susceptible, exposed, infected, removed) model was established using Wuhan data to reflect the pandemic. We then trained a genetic algorithm-based SEIR (GA-SEIR) model using data from a specific U.S. region and focused on individual susceptibility and infection dynamics. By integrating socio-psychological factors, we achieved a significant enhancement to the GA-SEIR model, leading to the development of an optimized version. This refined GA-SEIR model significantly improved our ability to simulate the spread and control of the epidemic and to effectively track trends. Remarkably, it successfully predicted the resurgence of COVID-19 in mainland China in April 2023, demonstrating its robustness and reliability. The refined GA-SEIR model provides crucial insights for public health authorities, enabling them to design and implement proactive strategies for outbreak containment and mitigation. Its substantial contributions to epidemic modelling and public health planning are invaluable, particularly in managing and controlling respiratory infectious diseases such as COVID-19.